Residency Program
What is the mission of the residency program?
The mission of Emory University’s Neurologic and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Programs is to prepare physical therapists with advanced knowledge and skills in physical therapy practice with a solid foundation in the application of evidence based practice.
The mission of Emory University’s Neurologic and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Programs is to prepare physical therapists with advanced knowledge and skills in physical therapy practice with a solid foundation in the application of evidence based practice.
Will the residency provide teaching opportunities for me?
Our Residency programs are committed to preparing physical therapists who will engage in clinical, academic, and professional teaching and consultative activities that will contribute to the advancement of the physical therapy profession. The Neurologic and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency programs provide opportunities for residents to teach within the DPT curriculum and to engage in inter-professional consultative activities in a clinical environment.
Will the residency prepare me to sit for the specialty certification examination?
Participating in a residency program will provide the didactic knowledge and skills that will prepare you to sit for the specialty examination. If you are a recent graduate from an accredited program, participating in a residency program will allow you to do so within the first year of clinical practice.
What are the requirements for application?
The requirements for application into our residency program include the following: Residents must have a Georgia license prior to the August 1st start date.
The application criterion for the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program involves the following components:
- Graduate of an accredited APTA entry level physical therapy program
- Hold a current PT license in the state of Georgia and considered to be in good standing with the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy
- Submit an application all of the required documentation for the Emory Orthopedic Physical Therapy residency program through RF-PTCAS
What are the required documents needed to apply through RF-PTCAS?
- Transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Employment history (if applicable)
- Essays
- a. 3 letters of recommendation/reference. For those applicants who are new graduates, we would like to have letters of recommendations from Clinical Instructors who have worked with you during your clinical affiliations who can attest to your skills and habits in a clinical setting.
Are you programs accredited or credentialed?
Yes. Both programs offered through Emory University have been accredited or credentialed through ABPTRFE.
How long is your program?
What are your graduation requirements?
Requirements for successful completion include successfully passing both written and practical exams and full participation in all of the required didactic courses/journal review and educational opportunities throughout the twelve month training program.
What personal characteristics are you looking for in an applicant?
The characteristics we are looking for in candidates are those applicants who are interested in engaging in a challenging academic program while fostering clinical growth within an orthopedic setting. We are looking for candidates who exhibit a strong work ethic, are self-motivated and are willing to be an engaged participant throughout the rigorous 12-month program.
What is a typical work schedule for residents?
ABPTRFE restricts worked hours for residents to 50 hours per week. Within our program, each resident’s schedule is adapted to maximize learning throughout the program. An average work week consists of 42-45 hours of program activities.
Can student loans be deferred during the residency program?
Student loans may be deferred while the resident is participating within the program. Each resident is responsible for verifying the necessary documentation for loan deferment. The University can provide documentation attesting to the resident’s participation in the program if needed. Loan deferment rules and processes may be variable among lenders.
Can I participate in the residency on a part-time basis?
At this time, our programs are designed for full-time residents only.
How much mentoring can I expect to receive during the program?
Each resident is scheduled to receive 3-5 hours of 1:1 mentoring per week.
How are your mentors selected?
Our clinical mentors are Board Certified Clinical Specialists or have at least 3 years of clinical practice in the appropriate specialty area. A licensed physical therapist who is a certified clinical specialist in orthopedics may serve as a resident’s clinical mentor. The mentor must be able to provide 3 hours of 1:1 clinical mentoring per week (150 hours total) for the resident. Your mentor’s resume/CV should be provided upon request.
Can I complete the residency program and continue to be employed at my current site?
Orthopedic residents have the option to become employed through Emory University for the 12-month program, or be employed within a community clinical site and work with Emory University to receive didactic, clinical and mentoring experiences. Neurologic residents must become employed through Emory University for the 12-month program.
What research opportunities exist within the residency programs?
The research experiences of our residence ranges from working with a PI on an established project to writing publishable case reports effectively utilizing evidence based practice.
Will I gain experience in teaching during the program?
Emphasis on teaching is strong in the orthopedic and neurologic programs. Opportunities exist for residents to participate in teaching within continuing education courses, DPT curriculum, clinic environment as well as in direct patient care.
Is there a service learning component to your residency education?
The orthopedic residents participate in the South Georgia Farm Workers’ project one weekend in June. Neurologic residents participate in an intensive stroke camp help in an underserved area of Jamaica for 10 days in March.
When are the residency applications due?
Refer to the RFPTCAS website for the application deadline for the Orthopedic and Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency.